Today, Congress leaders including Mr. Savio Coutinho and Mr. Loyola Rodrigues sharply criticized the BJP, accusing them of misleading the public by resurrecting memories of the 1975 Emergency. They argued that current conditions under BJP rule are more dire than those experienced during the Emergency era.
Addressing the media alongside Zacarias Goes, Khurram Kazi, Lalan Parsekar, Sujata Parsekar, Camilo Camara, Sharif Shaik, and others, Mr. Coutinho listed a series of grievances plaguing India. He pointed to the aftermath of demonetization (“Notebandi”), where promises of curbing black money and distributing ₹15 lakhs to citizens were unfulfilled, leaving the common people to suffer.
Mr. Coutinho also criticized the impact of GST on small traders and accused the BJP of silencing dissenting voices through draconian measures. He condemned what he described as the BJP’s ruthless suppression of opposition and manipulation of democratic processes through defections.
The leaders further highlighted issues such as the NEET exam paper leak, leading to student suicides, and the BJP’s alleged mishandling of incidents like the Pulwama massacre and violence in Manipur. They also criticized the BJP for protecting controversial figures like Revanna and Brij Bushan Sharan Singh.
Mr. Coutinho emphasized the alleged misuse of institutions such as the ED, CBI, IT, ECI, police, and judiciary, comparing it unfavorably to the Emergency era. He urged the BJP to cease its political maneuvers, asserting that the people have begun losing faith in the party.
Mr. Loyola Rodrigues, recalling his experience during the Emergency, argued that the current government is targeting the common man and favoring capitalists like Adani and Ambani. He condemned what he sees as the BJP’s indifference towards the plight of ordinary citizens.
The Congress leaders concluded by stating that the younger generation seeks a brighter future and is uninterested in political tactics that dwell on the past.
